Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 vs. Motorola Edge 40 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 | Motorola Edge 40 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | 161.2 × 74 × 8.6 mm | Edge 40 Pro is slightly taller, but both have similar width and thickness; negligible practical difference. |
| Weight | 192g | 199g | OnePlus 9 is slightly lighter (7g difference) which may be noticeable during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.55" | 6.67" | Edge 40 Pro offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience, though the difference is minor. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer similar sharpness; neither has a major advantage. |
| PPI | 402 | 394 | Virtually identical pixel densities; indiscernible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; no practical difference in quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 165Hz | Edge 40 Pro has a noticeably smoother display, enhancing the user experience especially in gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 1100 nits | 1100 nits | Both are equally bright, suitable for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Edge 40 Pro has significantly faster performance, better for gaming, heavy tasks, and future-proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 880,900 | 1,532,500 | Edge 40 Pro demonstrates substantially higher performance, offering a faster and more responsive user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Adreno 740 | Edge 40 Pro has a much more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics in games and demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4", Sony IMX689 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", Omnivision OV50A | OnePlus 9's larger sensor and wider aperture may provide better low-light performance, but the difference may not be drastic. |
| Rear Wide | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | OnePlus 9's larger sensor may offer better dynamic range and detail in wide-angle shots. |
| Rear Telephoto | N/A | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.93", Sony IMX663 | Edge 40 Pro has an advantage with a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities, while the OnePlus 9 lacks this feature. |
| Rear Black & White | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | OnePlus 9 includes a dedicated black & white sensor which allows for dedicated monochrome photos. |
| Front Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Omnivision OV60A | Edge 40 Pro has a higher resolution and larger sensor for potentially better selfie quality, particularly in low light. |
| Video | Up to 8K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | Both offer high-quality video recording but with differing stabilization technologies. Edge 40 Pro offers better slow motion capabilities. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Mobile: 130 (Photo: 133, Video: 135) | Edge 40 Pro has a solid score, indicating good overall camera performance. OnePlus 9 has no rating. |
| Camera Features | Ultra stable video, Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), RAW 12 bits | Time-Lapse, Optical zoom, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Continuous autofocus, Dual capture, RAW | Edge 40 Pro has OIS, Optical Zoom, and more versatile RAW processing. OnePlus 9 has RAW 12 bits. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4600mAh | Similar battery sizes for comparable battery life; negligible difference. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless | 125W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse Wired | Edge 40 Pro charges significantly faster; also offers wired reverse charging for other devices. |
| Battery Features | 15W Wireless Charging | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse charging, 5W Reverse Wired | Edge 40 Pro offers more versatility in charging capabilities, including reverse wired and wireless. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 16) | Edge 40 Pro comes with a newer OS version; may get more future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 7 | Edge 40 Pro has a faster, more future-proofed WiFi; with access to 6GHz band and reduced interference. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 | Edge 40 Pro has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Multiple systems (including L1+L5, BeiDou) | Multiple systems (including L1+L5, Galileo, SUPL) | OnePlus 9 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy; Edge 40 Pro supports SUPL. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Edge 40 Pro offers eSIM support for more flexible carrier options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Edge 40 Pro offers more storage options at higher capacities. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 12GB | Edge 40 Pro has 12GB of RAM, which is ideal for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones, Noise Cancellation Microphone | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 4 Microphones | Both offer stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos, but Edge 40 Pro includes an additional microphone. OnePlus 9 has a dedicated noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both provide basic biometric security through fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Edge 40 Pro has a tougher screen for better scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have a comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Potentially Better Low-Light Main Camera: Larger main camera sensor and wider aperture may result in slightly better low-light photos, however, the real-world difference may be minor.
- Black & White Camera: Dedicated monochrome sensor for artistic photography.
- More comprehensive GPS Support: Supports more satellite systems (including BeiDou).
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Dedicated microphone for better noise isolation.
- Slightly Lighter: 7g lighter than the Motorola Edge 40 Pro.
Motorola Edge 40 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset offers substantially better CPU and GPU performance, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming capabilities.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 165Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother and more responsive display experience.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens provides optical zoom capabilities.
- Superior Front Camera: Higher resolution front camera with a slightly wider aperture provides better selfie capabilities, especially in low light.
- Faster Charging: 125W fast charging is significantly quicker, allowing for much faster charging times. Also includes reverse charging capabilities,
- eSIM support: Offers eSIM alongside dual nano-SIM for more flexibility in carrier options.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better scratch and drop protection than Gorilla Glass 5.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 13 and is likely to receive more future OS updates.
- More Storage Options: Available in a 512GB variant, while the OnePlus 9 maxes out at 256 GB.
- More Versatile Camera Features: Includes OIS, Optical Zoom, and Continuous Autofocus.
- Newer WiFi: Supports WiFi 7 for faster and more stable connections.
Trade-offs:
- The OnePlus 9 trades overall performance for a possibly slightly better main camera in low-light conditions and a dedicated black and white camera, along with a potentially negligibly better GPS system and noise canceling microphone.
- The Motorola Edge 40 Pro prioritizes performance and display smoothness, but lacks a dedicated black & white camera and may have a slightly less performing main camera in low-light conditions compared to the OnePlus 9.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize dedicated black-and-white photography options and may be keen on a potentially better main camera in low-light conditions (although not definitively).
- Users on a tighter budget: Given that it is older, it may be available for less.
- Users who want a very slightly lighter phone.
Use Cases:
- Artistic photography with monochrome sensor.
- Users who prefer a more 'traditional' camera setup with a few specialized features.
- Users who do not require top-tier performance for demanding games and apps.
Motorola Edge 40 Pro Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who prioritize performance for demanding tasks such as gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Frequent Travelers: Users who need the convenience of fast charging and want eSIM support.
- Content Creators: Users who require higher video quality, better front camera performance, and optical zoom.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest features, including the newest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- Users wanting a more future-proofed device.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Video editing and content creation.
- Fast charging and extended battery life needs.
- Users who want future-proof connectivity with WiFi 7.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The OnePlus 9, being an older model, may offer a better value proposition if found at a significantly lower price. It's important to weigh the savings against the significantly superior performance and newer features of the Motorola Edge 40 Pro.
- The Motorola Edge 40 Pro, while pricier, offers more advanced technology, superior performance, and faster charging that may justify the cost for some users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is top-tier performance for gaming and demanding applications? (Edge 40 Pro excels here)
- What is the most important aspect of the camera? (OnePlus 9 has dedicated monochrome; Edge 40 Pro has telephoto and a better front camera)
- What is your budget? (OnePlus 9 may be more affordable; Edge 40 Pro justifies its higher price through additional features)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User on a Budget: If you're a casual user on a strict budget, the OnePlus 9 may suffice, especially if you're not doing heavy gaming or demanding tasks.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Power User: If you want the best mobile performance for gaming or other demanding applications, the Motorola Edge 40 Pro is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography-Focused User: If you prioritize artistic black-and-white photography, the OnePlus 9 may be more appealing, otherwise the Edge 40 Pro is the better option.
- Scenario 4: Travel-Oriented User: The Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers the most versatile charging and carrier flexibility (eSIM), making it a better travel companion.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Edge 40 Pro. While the OnePlus 9 has some appealing features like the dedicated monochrome camera, the performance difference is too significant to ignore. The Motorola Edge 40 Pro's much faster processor, smoother display, faster charging, and additional features like the telephoto lens and eSIM support make it the more versatile and future-proof option. For my personal use case, which involves a lot of multitasking, occasional gaming, and content consumption, the Edge 40 Pro's superior performance and features would provide a much better experience. I value future-proofing and a fast, smooth experience over the niche features of the OnePlus 9.
